Tata Sierra launch timeline revealed. More AWD models in the pipeline?
Auto Today's Associate Editor, Rahul Ghosh with Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited at the launch of Harrier.ev.
advertisementToday at the launch of the Harrier EV, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, during a conversation with Auto Today's Associate Editor, Rahul Ghosh, revealed when we can expect the Sierra to hit the Indian roads. He also shared his insights on few other things including where the EV market is going and whether the rare earth magnets are creating a problem or not.Tata Sierra to return this yearSrivatsa confirmed that the Sierra will make its debut in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric versions within this current calendar year, ending speculation around its timeline. "The Sierra will definitely come out this calendar year, and it'll be both in ICE and EV form," said Srivatsa, adding that further details and surprises would be revealed closer to the official launch.
The old Tata Sierra alongside the upcoming Sierra.
advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by AutoToday (@autotodaymag)Tata Sierra's comeback
Staying true to the spirit of its iconic original tagline, "It takes the rough with the smooth," the Tata Sierra is all set to make a comeback in a bold, modern avatar. Once celebrated for its distinctive rear glass design, the Sierra will soon return to Indian roads — this time featuring cutting-edge styling, advanced technology, and a choice of both ICE and EV powertrains. Tata is ready to revive a legend, reimagined for a new generation.
The new Sierra will come in both electric and ICE options.
A near-production version of the Tata Sierra was recently showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, and the latest sightings of test prototypes have shed new light on its design, features, and powertrain possibilities.One of the Sierra's biggest draws is its blend of retro charm and modern styling. Despite being heavily camouflaged, the test mule revealed several signature elements. At the front, it sports a tall bonnet, a split headlamp setup with connected LED DRLs, a gloss black grille, and a prominent silver skid plate, all contributing to its rugged appeal.
Unlike the original 3-door Sierra of the 1990s, the new model features a more practical 5-door layout.
At the rear, the SUV maintains a bold and upright profile, with a flat tailgate, connected LED tail lamps, and a rear wiper. Previous iterations have also revealed flush-fitting door handles, squared-off wheel arches, and thick cladding, all enhancing the Sierra's muscular and SUV-centric stance.In contrast to the original 3-door Sierra from the 1990s, the new-generation model adopts a more practical 5-door layout, making it suitable for modern-day usage.
The upcoming Sierra gets flush door handles.
Inside, Tata is expected to offer multiple interior colour schemes depending on the variant. The concept shown at the Auto Expo featured yellow accents to elevate the cabin's aesthetic. The production version is likely to feature a four-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, a design now common across Tata's latest models.advertisementUnder the hood, the Sierra ICE is anticipated to come with two engine choices:A new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol expected to produce 168bhp and 280Nm of torqueA 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel, shared with the Harrier and Safari, delivering 168bhp and 350NmBoth engines are likely to be available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options.The Sierra EV, which will follow the ICE launch, is expected to offer multiple battery pack configurations and a range of over 500km on a single charge. It will likely share its electric drivetrain with the recently launched Harrier EV.The Sierra is inching closer to its official comeback. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months as Tata gears up for a highly anticipated launch later this year.
The Sierra is all set to return this calender year.
Future of AWD in Tata's portfolioOn the subject of all-wheel drive (AWD), Srivatsa candidly acknowledged a gap in Tata's current lineup. 'The last AWD vehicle we had was the Hexa, which we phased out in 2019. The AWD segment is less than 5% of the market, but our SUVs have always been known for performance. So we're bringing AWD back in a modern, electrified form,' he explained.advertisementWhile AWD is currently being rolled out in Tata's EV offerings like the Harrier EV, Srivatsa hinted that the technology may also make its way into future ICE vehicles, depending on consumer response. 'We'll assess the take rate, and it can probably be extended to ICE models as well,' he said. This could very well mean that the iCE variants of the Tata Harrier and the Tata Safari, and the upcoming Tata Sierra could very well be offered with AWD technology in the near future.Changing EV consumer expectationsWhen asked about the current state and trajectory of India's electric vehicle market, Srivatsa noted a significant shift in consumer mindset. 'If you go back three years, the primary questions were about cost of operation, EV pricing versus ICE, and charging access. Today, many of those questions are answered,' he said. With the charging infrastructure expanding and products like the Harrier EV offering strong value, Tata believes consumers now expect more than just price parity—they want greater performance and capability.advertisementSupply chain and rare earth magnets concernAddressing concerns around rare earth materials and EV supply chains, Srivatsa acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical factors but remained optimistic. 'Yes, there is a little bit of concern, but we are confident that between the industry and the government, these issues will be resolved,' he said.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
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